CMCO

The Allegheny Conference on Community Development seeks an experienced and innovative Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO) to lead its MarComms function as the organization drives a vital and globally competitive region. The CMCO will play a critical role in elevating visibility, strengthening reputation, and advancing overarching goals. As the region scales in prominence, the Conference requires a dynamic, results-driven leader, ideally with experience navigating political, civic, or public-sector environments, to design and implement a bold MarComms strategy that underscores the organization’s role in regional transformation.  Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the senior management team, the CMCO will be a trusted advisor, providing strategic leadership and expert guidance for all marketing and communications efforts. This individual will develop and execute integrated strategies that advance the mission and priorities of the Conference, its affiliates, and the region. Supported by a talented team, the CMCO will showcase the Conference’s impact in economic development, public policy, advocacy, and investor relations, amplifying its influence locally and globally.  The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of building and executing comprehensive, cross-platform strategies, including print, digital, media, PR, social media, and events. Success will be measured by the ability to deliver compelling outputs, establish credibility with diverse stakeholders, and secure broad support for the Conference’s mission and vision. The CMCO must be agile, decisive, and action-oriented, able to anticipate change, adapt quickly, and drive results in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Exceptional communication skills, proactive leadership, and unwavering commitment to the mission are essential.

• Defines and oversees implementation of integrated marketing and communications strategies and plans designed to enhance the reputation of the organization and to advance the organizational objectives to grow the economy, increase regional competitiveness, and improve quality of life.

• Guides leadership and CEO communications strategy, vehicles, and topics. Serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO on state, national, and regional matters that have a direct impact on the Allegheny Conference’s work.

• Serves as the subject matter expert on all branding, marketing, and communications, providing strategic counsel to Allegheny Conference staff, affiliates, and stakeholders.

• Leads the development and communication of the region’s message, brand, and image; responsible for driving brand awareness and supporting lead generation for economic development through effective marketing and communications initiatives.

• Ensures use of marketing and communications strategies and techniques to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level audiences, including public sector leaders, elected officials, business decision makers, members and funders, media, and other key influencers. This includes increasing the visibility of initiatives and programs across key stakeholder audiences and maintaining brand identity.

• Develops and oversees implementation and measurement of multi-channel (print and digital, bulk email, PR and media placement, advertisements, events, websites, video production, social and other media) marketing and communications strategies, activities, and plans.

• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with the media in pitching story ideas, issuing press releases, and fielding broadcast opportunities locally and regionally.

• Maintains an active social media presence through various forums, including Podcasts, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to expand Allegheny Conference’s impact and reach.

• Champions a state-of-the-art MarComms strategy by creating departmental and staff goals and objectives, monitoring and assessing performance, and establishing personnel professional development plans.

• Builds and manages a highly efficient and skilled team of marketing and communications professionals. Promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and commitment to quality.

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as ensures a welcoming environment with a strong sense of belonging.

• Monitors and stays abreast of technological, operational, and other changes that affect the activities and work processes of the team; recommends, develops, and executes improvements including adoption of new tools and professional development/training to meet needs of the organization.

• Plays a key role in developing long-range goals and objectives for the department. Represents the interests of MarComms in the budget development process.

• Ensures all marketing and communications activities align with the overarching organizational brand, image, goals, and standards.

 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience with progressive expertise in branding, marketing, and communications.

• Demonstrated experience working in or closely with political, government, or public sector environments, with an understanding of how policy, advocacy, and public leadership intersect with communications.

• Ability to contribute to the overall enhancement of the image and visibility of the Allegheny Conference, its affiliates, and the region, working closely with the CEO and leadership team on executive-level communications.

• A powerful storyteller with exceptional written, digital, and public speaking skills along with strong creative and analytical capabilities.

• Knowledge of cutting-edge practices in public policy, marketing (digital and non-digital), advocacy, economic development, communications, and management strategy.

• Appreciation for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the greater Pittsburgh region, its economy, and its decision-making leadership. Knowledge of budgeting, fundraising, and the national civic leadership community preferred.

• Demonstrated success developing efficient and effective branding, marketing, and communications strategies that engage broad and diverse audiences.

• Advanced strategic communications skills, including issues and crisis management, in complex and competitive landscapes.

• Proven track record of creative brand development, media relations, and digital marketing strategy coupled with the ability to balance overarching strategy with day-to-day execution.

• Experience as a respected leader with the ability to lead staff, manage resources, and maximize operational efficiency and effectiveness in a highly collaborative environment.

• Strong collaborator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with a wide range of constituencies, including elected officials and civic leaders.

• Unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a central tenet of the organization.

• High level of comfort engaging with senior-level stakeholders, policymakers, and media representatives.

• Ability to thrive in a complex, fast-paced, and competitive marketing and communications landscape.

The targeted salary range for this position is $160k - $190k and will be commensurate with experience. In addition, there will be a comprehensive benefits package along with relocation assistance.

Candidate nominations and interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter to: Jane.McMahon@KornFerry.com

The Conference recognizes that its people are its most valuable asset. The collective sum of diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, talents, and perspectives plays a critical role in shaping its culture, driving its innovation, and strengthening its reputation and success.  The Conference values and respects the unique differences among its employees, including age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.